NSE

Chris, section “layerouter” – I think I can call myself that, I’ve not met anyone else that’s set out a BIU World round and a UCI World round, along with countless Nationals. Fortunately for me 20 and 26” have been physically separated at the International events I’ve set, and separated by class at the Nationals. Now it’s easy by accident or intent to favour 26” but very hard to give 20” any advantage. To be honest, (with the current mix of U.K riders on Yellow), were I asked to plot a course that gave one of Sundays 20” riders a chance of a podium place I would not know where to start. Stock bikes now are mods with big wheels – given a choice of vehicle on which to cover rough terrain, who would choose the one with small wheels?

Ok – before someone thinks I’m having a dig, that’s not my agenda. I feel now is the time for some genuine discussion and consideration about the format of BIU competitions. Ever since I first heard of the rule changes amalgamating wheel sizes I have been worried at the effect it would have on all aspects of organising a competition. Before commenting I would urge readers to study the Kelly farm results. I don’t want to thread my thoughts into a lengthy essay, (for me Sunday raised so many questions), so here are some points for discussion, a bit random and thrown together. - The format used on Sunday was designed for World events where an Elite rider is either a 20” Elite or from the old Master class. That’s not the case here. World Elite, Masters and Seniors and Experts have been lumped together using a selection process born out of the old rules. - Should almost half the entry be riding the Yellow route? - Should riders compete in their true World classification? - Are we witnessing the death of the mod for Yellow route riders? - Can 20 and 26” compete on equal terms over identical sections? - Is it possible to favour 20” bike by choice of terrain? - Should the classes be split again? - If the system stays the same the Yellow route will grow year on year. I am sure there are other points for consideration, others can bring those up.

Can any one holding a mailing list for Scotts riders contact me please. Fred Savage.

Towler - PM'ed you. Fred Savage.

Danny, for all the info you need click on the entry link in Barbara's first post, but in brief; No licence required. As mentioned the station is only 5 mins away. Fred.

Remember last year?

Surprised that no one has mentioned fit. I have experience of all three shoes makes in the poll. Try All are fine if you have broad feet, if not your feet will roll in them. Ribo are a little undersized making mail order difficult. Trident have proved to be a good fitting shoe. The comments above about wear rates is pretty spot on, as Sam said, he lives in his shoes and they are holding together well.

“Invisible” discounts available on request can upset those that were afraid to ask. I prefer straight forward pricing that’s available to all. For £1800 you could buy two bikes similar to those ridden by James Hyland or Ben Savage – good value without a discount.

Great Pic’s Wes. Sorry to hear you’ve joined the bad back club! Fred.

Andrew, Put a request for a lift in “Rides” – I am sure some one from that area would like help with fuel expenses. Fred.

Bet you surprised a few people with that win Sam! It’s even better when you consider the other scores on your route. Well done.

Thank you for your educated, informed and unbiased opinion. I’ll pass your comments on to Frank, I am sure, (based on your remarks), he will redesign the frame, change the name and restructure his business plan.

Franks initials reversed - its no big deal ***<>WTF. No doubt the frame "reflects" his skills, in any case Franks initials can't be typed on the forum.

Will I'll give Tim a call and get the full spec for you. I'm looking for a rider in the U.K. to debut a WTF. Fred.

I agree – if it wasn’t for the shadow you would think it had been “shopped”. Great ridding and good pics – including Welsh sunshine, a rare commodity Fred.

Should be viewed as a compliment

For me it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. I’ve set out UCI and BIU World rounds along with countless nationals, but never on the same weekend. Apparently new “obstacles” have been shipped into Hook Woods; it continues to get better and better. Those entering can count on me to provide a good weekends riding. Fred.

Its not perfect, but a step in the right direction. At least it gives an idea of what is available, no doubt it will continue to evolve. As do their products.

Correct!

Major rebuild separating products....... NEW SITE.

Had my first delivery of Bionic B2 B. All of the photographs published so far have shown this "bash plate" mod frame without the plate fitted, so here's the first view of the complete item. Retail price is set at £175.00. B2 B FRAME

You’re wrong. When I first took a small boy to a trials comp street did not exist, Essex comps had small entries, no Tyketrial or any other clubs. U.K. riders rarely made it in international comps, with the exception of the two M’s, (inspiration for a little kid); F-stop junkie would turn up to watch small boys ride pallets in retail parks. Now you can go on any number of street rides of a weekend, all over the U.K. – trials cycles are not a rare sight; comps attract entries approaching 3 figures. Trials has grown, it’s just that the newcomers do not realise how minute it used to be.

At U.K. nationals Mod and Stock always rode the same sections, but with awards for both wheel sizes. If you look back through old results and view the scores lost you can see who fits in where and compare who did what on what type of bike, but it has always been mod V mod stock V stock Up until now Mod and Stock have ridden separate sections at BIU World events with podium positions for each wheel size, UCI remains that way. There are specialists on both bikes, the bikes are different, by joining the wheel size I don’t think your finding the best rider, (there are very good riders on both types of bike), I think your proving which type of bike the course favours. In my opinion it is impossible to plot a section that does not hold hidden advantages for one wheel size or the other – I don’t agree with the change. Fred.

Really looking forward to this, a good event supporting a genuine and deserving cause. I plan to help set up on Saturday - see you all there. Fred.